The Christ Church in Murringo celebrated 150 years of worship last Sunday.
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Led by Reverend Geoffrey McAullife the congregation solemnly joined in the service and bared witness to the blessing of the ceremonial plaque.
“In 1866 the villagers of Marengo gathered together, raised funds and had Christ Church, Murringo built and consecrated,” Murringo resident Carol Hewson said.
“We have witnessed the 100th celebrations in 1966, the 125 years in 1981.”
And now the residents of the village have seen 150 years of the church standing in the community.
“Parishioners, past parishioners, villagers and clergy gathered once again at the little church to celebrate 150 years of worship at our little church,” Mrs Hewson said.
At the end of the service the congregation and those gathered joined in with a rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic which “rocked the very foundations of our church.”
The villagers and the Murringo Public School worked tirelessly to orchestrate the event and celebrations of the historic building.
Following in the footsteps of the first congregation of Christ Church, Murringo 150 years ago after the service all present were invited and encouraged to socialise with their neighbours, friends and visitors and enjoy light refreshments.
As part of the celebration a new booklet celebrating the church’s 150 years has been printed and is available in the village.
“The weather was perfect; the grounds and church immaculate, but we cannot go past the words of Bishop Thomas in 1866.” Mrs Hewson said.
"There is not a more substantial nor prettier village church in the colony than Christ Church, Marengo." – Bishop Thomas, 1866.
The Burrangong Argus, 15th July 1865, reported:
“On Friday July 9th, a social gathering of members of the Church of England was held in Marengo, to further the good object of building a church in that place.
There was a large attendance of friends from far and near.
Young, amongst other places contributing its quota.
Subscription lists were taken round, and the amount subscribed …was 200 pounds.”
Be sure to jump on the Young Witness website to check out Tricia Mack’s photo from the day.
